Close X
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
ADVT 
Interviews

Meet the Bhartia Family

Monica Sethi Darpan, 24 Jul, 2023 07:07 PM
  • Meet the Bhartia Family

Twinkle and Siddharth Bhartia live in Kitsilano and work as Software and Project engineers, respectively.

Why did you decide to migrate to Canada? 

I (Sid) am a Chemical Engineering graduate from IIT Kharagpur in India. I first came to Canada for a three-month exchange program with the University of Saskatchewan in my third year of undergrad at IIT with Mitacs Globalink Canada Scholarship, fully covering the expenses. During my exchange program, I enjoyed seeing Canada. After that, I applied to the University of British Columbia for my master's and got a full scholarship. All these opportunities eventually led to my immigration to Canada. 

Which year did you immigrate?

I came for the exchange program in 2014, and my master's at UBC in 2015. I got married in November 2020, and Twinkle, my wife, came to Canada a year after, in 2021, after getting her permanent residency. 

What were your first impressions of Canada?

I enjoyed my time as an exchange student in Saskatchewan. My water treatment project involved research on finding optimal treatment solutions for emerging contaminants in drinking water. It led me to my master's at UBC to pursue a career in the same field in environmental engineering. Apart from my studies, I travelled extensively, going on road trips to Alberta and British Columbia from Saskatoon. I was amazed by Canada's natural beauty.  

Where did you stay when you reached Canada? Hotel, relative or friend's place?

I stayed at the university residence when I first came for my exchange program. But, the second time I arrived here for my master's, I moved into a rented place in Kitsilano, Vancouver, where I met my amazing landlords - Uncle Hari and Aunty DJ, who made me feel at home away from home and were always around to help.

What difficulties/challenges did you face when you and your family moved here?

Moving to another county, away from family, is always challenging. But I was fortunate to meet the right people who guided and supported me, making the transition easier. 

How long did it take to get used to the people, weather, or surroundings?

It took very little time to get use to the people as everyone is so friendly! We loved the weather. Summers are lovely, with plenty of outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and camping. When it's raining, we go to the recreation centre.  

How was your experience getting a job here? Was it easy or troublesome?

During my master's at UBC, I was involved in different projects and even field work. I did academic and industrial internships, presented my work at national and international conferences, and co-authored research publications in academic journals. All these experiences enabled me to develop the skills required to establish myself in the core engineering field, which is otherwise very difficult for an international student or an immigrant. 

Twinkle had software engineering experience with an MNC in India. She started networking with professionals in her field in Canada while waiting for her visa in India. Leveraging her experience and network, Twinkle got a job in her field within a month of her arrival.  

What do you like and dislike most about this country?

We appreciate the diversity in this country, though we wish it were a little closer to India. Miss our family back home. 

Goals & Aspirations

At this point, we would like to grow in our respective fields professionally. 

Experience so far

Our overall journey has been excellent in Canada, and enjoying every moment together.  

Advice for immigrants

We believe in hard work, and there are always opportunities for focused and disciplined people. If you work hard, things will happen for you. It's just a matter of time. 

 

 

 

 

MORE Interviews ARTICLES

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has nothing to hide

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has nothing to hide
The lead of Never Have I Ever reflects on four years as Devi Vishwakumar, teenager-at-large. After forty episodes, four boyfriends, dozens of cringe-inducing moments, and countless laughs, Never Have I Ever came to an end last month. The Netflix series, a coming-of-age sitcom created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, was the rare show anchored by a first-generation Indian-American teenager.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has nothing to hide

Mastering the Modern Maze: Navigating the Corporate Landscape of the 21st Century

Mastering the Modern Maze: Navigating the Corporate Landscape of the 21st Century
The 21st century corporate world demands agility, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making it an exhilarating and challenging landscape for those willing to take on the journey. Wondering what it takes to shine in the corporate world? Three industry experts from three distinct fields tell all:

Mastering the Modern Maze: Navigating the Corporate Landscape of the 21st Century

Documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja: “You have to be very comfortable in chaos.”

Documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja: “You have to be very comfortable in chaos.”
To Kill a Tiger initially started as a different film, focusing on an NGO creating awareness among men and boys about women’s rights. In an exclusive interview, Pahuja shares what it was like to direct To Kill a Tiger.

Documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja: “You have to be very comfortable in chaos.”

Meet the Bhayana Family

Meet the Bhayana Family
Amit Bhayana works as Manager, Planning and Organization Development with a private firm, while his wife, Meeta Bhayana, works as an Early Childhood Assistant in a Montessori school. They live in South Surrey with their two daughters, Ridhima and Shivika Bhayana.

Meet the Bhayana Family

Between food and the mouth - identity, history and religion

Between food and the mouth - identity, history and religion
Shankar it has always held a peculiar fascination for her, and for the past 25 years, she has been reading food memoirs and recipe books -- trying out new things at any given time. 

Between food and the mouth - identity, history and religion

Kang red flags periodic boosters; 'can't blindly follow richer nations'

Kang red flags periodic boosters; 'can't blindly follow richer nations'
Covid is witnessing resurgence in many countries, including India. According to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) latest weekly epidemiological update, 74 countries have reported increases in new cases of 20 per cent or greater during the last 28 days compared to the previous 28-day period

Kang red flags periodic boosters; 'can't blindly follow richer nations'

PrevNext